Redirecting.work
Ed Frauenheim
Redefining Masculinity for Modern Leadership
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Ed Frauenheim was one of my first interviewees. I had known him for years as a writer on HR technology and talent management during my days managing the SierraCedar HR Systems Survey. His focus on organizational culture and inclusive decision-making, while working at Great Places to Work, had always impressed me as I’d always understood that change management was such a critical success factor and the organizations highlighted in GPtW embodied this. Years later, I noticed Ed writing about a new kind of masculinity—one that embraced empathy - a topic that was increasingly important during the #MeToo days and with an increased focus on improving diversity and inclusion. Intrigued, I reached out to him.
The Catalyst for Change
For Ed, the shift wasn’t a sudden pivot but more of an evolution. His journey began with a focus on HR technology, which gradually led him to explore deeper aspects of workplace culture. He wrote a personal essay on fatherhood and masculinity which became a turning point for him. As a father to a daughter, Ed realized the importance of needing to be a different kind of man—more empathetic and emotionally present. He felt a personal responsibility to embody and promote these changes.
A New Direction
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Ed's new direction crystallized in his 2020 book, "Reinventing Masculinity: The Liberating Power of Compassion and Connection." The book advocates for moving away from the traditional 'man of steel' archetype—stoic and unyielding—to what Ed calls the 'man of teal,' who embraces feminine energy and emotional expressiveness. His work today focuses on Teal culture, a revolutionary management style that rejects hierarchical structures and emphasizes self-management, wholeness, and evolutionary purpose.
Teal culture aims to create purpose-driven, soulful organizations connected to the planet and each other. It represents a shift from traditional power structures to more egalitarian, collaborative, and holistic work environments. Ed's mission is to help male leaders to transition from outdated paradigms to ones that foster connection, compassion, and collective decision-making.
Collaborative Efforts and Support - the Importance of Relationships
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Ed’s journey has not been solitary. He co-authored his masculinity book with psychologist Ed Adams. He also co-founded The Teal Team, working closely with peers who share his vision of more soulful organizations. Ed invested in training to become a coach to refine his brand and develop a website, ensuring his message reaches a broader audience. He is increasingly successful with his new focus, spending about 60% of his time on his core passion projects and the remaining 40% on activities that meet his financial goals.
Advice for Successful Pivots
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Ed’s advice for those considering a pivot is straightforward. First, align your career with your evolving personal beliefs and societal needs. The journey might be slow, especially if your focus is as esoteric as promoting Teal principles, but persistence is key. Embrace collaboration and seek support from coaches or mentors. "Financial stability is important," Ed says. "But true fulfillment comes from pursuing work that resonates with your values and contributes to meaningful cultural conversations."
Ed’s story, for me, is a testament to the power of aligning one's passion to make a difference in the world. His journey from HR technology to pioneering a new kind of masculinity and organizational culture highlights the importance of empathy, collaboration, and purpose. Ed directly and subliminally encourages us all to consider how our work and personal lives can converge to create an impact.